From Fitness Work to Focusing on Game Plan: Former India Pacer Reveals What Players Are Up to During Washed Out Days

One of the worst things to happen ahead of a game of cricket is a wet outfield caused by incessant rain. But what do the players get up to when the game has been called off due to inclement weather? The former Indian pacer, RP Singh reveals it all.

The 38-year-old, who represented the national side across all three formats, revealed some of his insights as Day 2 of the second Test between India and Bangladesh at the Green Park Stadium, Kanpur was washed out without a single ball being bowled.

Singh revealed that the players would continue to work on their fitness even from the dressing room during times when play gets called off. This includes hitting their fitness goals, cardio or any other fitness-related objectives that the players would have to adhere to.

According to the former left-arm pacer, “Most players continue doing their fitness work, even while sitting in the dressing room. They keep ticking off all the boxes,” Singh told in an interview with IANS.

He elaborated further, “Players usually try to achieve their gym targets during this free time. Some do cardio, others focus on weights —basically, they try to utilize this period to complete any pending tasks,” he added.

While the time away from the ground could prove to be a distraction, in the international setup, players are always focused on their primary objective, which is to be aware of the game, keeping themselves ready for whenever the time comes for them to get back to the field.

“Cricket is their primary objective, and everyone stays focused on the game plan. In such situations, strategies keep evolving with every passing minute,” he shared.

With the second day’s play being washed out, the Indian team would hope that they can get all the time they can get to ensure that they grab the win and secure the series with a 2-0 sweep.

This would ensure that Rohit Sharma’s side would have the best possible chance to ensure that India make it to the World Test Championship final as they maintain their dominance by staying at the top of the points standings.

Team India would have some tough games following the Bangladesh series. This includes a three-match Test series at home against New Zealand followed by their tour Down Under where they take on Australia in a five-match affair to defend the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024.

(with IANS Inputs)